Major Themes for Matthew

3. Christology (or, “Who is Jesus?”) - Jesus as Son of Man and Son of God, Emmanuel, co-equal with Father and Spirit in 28:19. Also, Jesus as the fulfillment of Moses and David.

4. Ecclesiology (or, “What is the church?”) – 16:18-19, 18. Papacy?

5. Eschatology” (or, “What happens at the end?”) – 24-25.

6. Jesus as an ethical teacher – Sermon on the Mount, etc. 20th Century context? “Challenge” of the kingdom of God.

Reflection Questions

Reflect on both the miraculous (i.e. the virgin birth) and the ethical (i.e. love your enemies) in Matthew. Which is more challenging for you, and why?

The early church listed Matthew first in the Gospels because it so powerfully captures the teachings of Jesus, while still preserving his mighty works and his death and resurrection. What would we lose if we had the teachings of Christ, but not the stories of his mighty power? What would we lose if we had the stories of his miracles and resurrection, but no records of his instructions?